Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Wildlife Management

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Wildlife Epidemiology 1. Prevalence vs. Incidence Prevalence refers to the total number of cases of a disease in a population at a specific time, while incidence is the number of new cases that occur within a defined period. Understanding the difference between these two terms is vital for tracking the spread of diseases in wildlife populations. 2. Endemic vs. Epidemic Endemic refers to the constant presence of a disease within a specific geographic area or population, while an epidemic is the sudden increase in the number of cases above what is normally expected. Recognizing whether a disease is endemic or epidemic helps in determining appropriate control measures. 3. Zoonosis vs. Anthroponosis Zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, while anthroponosis is a disease that only affects humans. Differentiating between these terms is crucial for understanding the potential risks of a disease to human populations. 4. Carrier vs. Reservoir A carrier is an individual that harbors a pathogen without showing any signs of the disease, while a reservoir is a population or environment where the pathogen naturally exists. Distinguishing between carriers and reservoirs is important for disease control strategies. 5. Mortality vs. Morbidity